Former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath expects Mitchell Starc to deliver the goods for Kolkata Knight Riders in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League 2024. McGrath reckons Starc will be lethal if he can move the ball around in the Powerplay overs.
KKR broke the bank for Starc, roping him for a massive amount of INR 24.75 crores, which made him the costliest player in the history of the IPL. Starc last played in the IPL in 2015 for Royal Challengers Bangalore and it will be interesting to note how he will fare out.
Starc has scalped 34 wickets in 27 IPL matches at an average of 20.38 and an economy rate of 7.17.
Glenn McGrath said in an interview with MRF Pace Foundation media interaction, “For Starc, he chose not to come to the IPL due to personal reasons. But he comes back and gets a record price. He will be looking forward to it. On his day, if he is moving the ball around, he will be as good as any other fast bowler.”
Along with Starc, Australian skipper Pat Cummins was brought for a huge amount of INR 20.50 crores by Sunrisers Hyderabad. McGrath feels both the fast bowlers will not have price tag pressure as they have the experience under their belt.
“The money that they have received is incredible. But they are both very experienced players and know the game well. They are going to go out and play well as they have done in the past. I don’t think it (price tag) will impact them even one percent,” added McGrath.
McGrath added it will be Starc’s personal decision on how long he wants to play the game. Starc is part of the Australian team in all three formats of the game and he is going strongly at the top level.
“It all depends on what he (Starc) wants. I retired when I was 33 and Jimmy Anderson is still moving the ball at 41. It’s about how much game time he gets and how he and his body are enjoying it,” said McGrath.
The former legendary pacer added that Australia hasn’t been able to adapt to tough Indian spin conditions.
“It’s just the attitude of the Australian sports people – they are very competitive and back themselves to perform on the big stage. They used to adapt better before. India is always the toughest place for the Australians to adapt. They haven’t been able to adapt to the spin conditions here as better as other countries do,” stated McGrath.
KKR will begin their IPL campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on March 23.
